Saturday, September 13, 2014

A GOOD NAME: TRUETT CATHY

In the wee hours of Monday morning, John's phone began ringing and dinging. The news of S. Truett Cathy's (founder of CFA) death was making its way to us, and the moment I signed into Facebook, it was there as well. He was 93 years old and had been declining for the past year. I'm sure heaven had a great big party upon his arrival, because he was a great man who really loved the Lord and lived his life by biblical principles.

His life verse was Proverbs 22:1 - Agoodname is to be more desired than great wealth,Favor is better than silver and gold.

I have seen this verse connected to him over and over again. He did happen to have great wealth, but his generosity and love for people is remembered far above his millions. And also, the chicken sandwich. Because he invented it. Where would my life be without Truett Cathy and the chicken sandwich?

Every single person that walks the earth is valuable and brings something unique to the world. It seems that some people are able to leverage their uniqueness into something extraordinary, and by God's grace, Truett was able to do just that. His life leaves ripple marks over the lives of so many that it would be impossible to count them all.

As you might imagine, my social media this week was filled with warm remembrances and thanks to Truett for all that he meant to them. I've read story after story about his kindness, his spontaneity and fun, his love for people. It was catching. It's what makes CFA great. Never in a million years when I started working for CFA in 2003 did I imagine that it would turn into a livelihood for my family. That because of the opportunity Truett provided us, we have, in turn, been able to be a part of the lives of so many different people.

As it turns out, John was already headed to the Home Office in Atlanta this week for two different training sessions, and since everything was canceled on Wednesday, the day of the funeral, John was able to attend. He reported that it was a moving tribute in every way - from the standing ovation of Truett's wife of 66 years, Jeanette, to the stories of ways that Truett gave and especially his heart for the orphan. (If you don't know, Truett started an organization called Winshape, which has several amazing branches - one of which includes foster homes that have helped to raise many children.)

We reached the end of an era at CFA, and I'm so sorry to see it go. Getting to see Truett at Seminar every year was truly a gift, and though our company has been left in excellent, capable hands, Truett will be dearly missed. I'm so thankful that he followed the Lord - my life and the lives of many others, will never be the same. He did, indeed, have a great name.